Africa-Press – Eritrea. The interrelated global commitments of World Food Day (WFD) and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty were celebrated on Monday, October 16th, at the Undicismo Recreation Center in Embaderho, a village located approximately 12 kilometers north of Asmara. The event, which was commemorated under the theme “Water is Food, Water is Life, Let’s leave no one behind” was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It was attended by ministers, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives from various UN agencies.
The commemoration took place against the backdrop of a growing global crisis. Despite the goal set in 2015 to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2030, recent reports from the United Nations indicate that the number of people living in extreme poverty and facing chronic hunger has risen significantly. By 2022, approximately 735 million people, equivalent to 9.2% of the world’s population, found themselves in a state of chronic hunger—an alarming increase compared to 2019. These statistics highlight the severity of the situation and the urgency of taking action. In 2023, some 780 million people around the world are going hungry.
Recognizing the importance of food security, the government of Eritrea has given the issue high priority at the national level. Accordingly, policies and programs have been put in place to enhance agricultural productivity, improve access to resources, and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
Sustainable agricultural practices that promote long-term food security have been embraced. The country has invested in soil conservation measures, such as terracing and reforestation, to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility. These measures not only protect the environment but also contribute to increased agricultural productivity. To mitigate the impact of water scarcity on crop production, Eritrea has invested in the construction of dams and irrigation infrastructures. These initiatives aim to improve water availability for agricultural purposes, particularly during periods of drought. By enhancing water management, Eritrea is ensuring a more reliable water supply for farmers, thereby reducing vulnerability to food insecurity. In its commitment to leaving no one behind, Eritrea has implemented social protection programs targeting vulnerable communities. These include programs such as the Minimum Integrated Household Agricultural Package (MIHAP).
This year’s theme of WFD and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty aims to highlight the critical role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of our food. It also seeks to raise global awareness about the importance of managing water wisely as rapid population growth, economic development, urbanization, and climate change threaten water availability.
At the event, Mr. Arefainae Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the increasing severity of droughts, the drying of rivers, and the growing strain on water resources due to the expanding population and our agricultural, industrial, and daily activities.
Mr. Arefaine acknowledged that Eritrea is also affected by these trends, with declining rivers, lakes, and rainfall due to deforestation and climate change. Consequently, the government has launched significant programs focused on soil and water conservation, including the construction of dams of various sizes. Since 1991, the number of reservoirs constructed has increased eightfold.
Mr. Arefaine pointed out that the initiatives have yielded positive results, with crop production doubling and the production of crops and vegetables increasing by six and 71 times respectively. This increase in agricultural productivity is directly linked to the improved water holding capacity provided by the constructed dams. The correlation between increased water capacity and production clearly demonstrates that water is essential for food production.
Recognizing the preciousness and scarcity of water, the global community has embraced the “drop per crop” philosophy, aiming to use water judiciously. Eritrea is following this trend by gradually making a transition from furrow irrigation to pressurized irrigation. This shift optimizes water usage and aligns with global efforts to prioritize efficient water management.
In his remarks, Mr. Aeneas C. Chuma, UN Resident Coordinator in Eritrea, emphasized the importance of sustaining and nurturing the strong partnership between Eritrea and the UN system to achieve stronger development outcomes in the face of multiple challenges. While acknowledging Eritrea’s significant progress in sustainable water resource management, Mr. Chuma noted that challenges persist in this area.
He stressed that eradicating poverty is not just an economic goal but also a moral and social imperative. People affected by extreme poverty often face discrimination and struggle to access decent and productive employment opportunities due to limited education and training. For example, UNICEF estimates that in the least developed countries, slightly more than one in four children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in labor that is detrimental to their health and development, hindering their ability to escape poverty for themselves and their families.
Mr. Chuma underlined that for Eritrea, addressing various forms of deprivation is about restoring dignity to every citizen. “Decent and productive jobs serve as the best form of social protection against poverty. I commend Eritrea on its strong social protection strategy and the progress made thus far. However, I also acknowledge that more can be done, and the UN deployment system is ready to support and accompany the country in its efforts,” he said.
Mr. Martins Obrejo, the FAO representative, highlighted the global challenges of severe water shortages and water-related disasters. He noted that water scarcity has significantly impacted densely populated areas in Asia and Africa, leading to difficulties in sustaining agriculture and negatively affecting food security, sanitation, and public health. Mr. Obrejo also drew attention to the destructive effects of extreme weather events induced by climate change, such as floods caused by storms and hurricanes. These events displace communities and exacerbate the vulnerability of regions.
To address these issues, Mr. Obrejo emphasized the urgent need for global action, including water conservation, efficient water management, and equitable distribution. Noting the importance of building resilience to cope with intensifying extremes, she called for a coordinated international effort that integrates sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and adaptive measures.
In her statement, Ms. Nashida Sattar, the UNDP representative, emphasized the importance of human dignity in the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Under the theme “Dignity for All in Practice,” the goal is to envision a world where no one is left behind.
Ms. Sattar highlighted that poverty encompasses more than just the lack of income. It is also manifested in limited access to essential resources such as food, water, healthcare, education, shelter, and other opportunities that enable people to live with dignity and stability. Currently, nearly 10% of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty, with over 400 million people concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly women and children in rural areas.
Ms. Sattar acknowledged the complex and multi-dimensional nature of poverty, which does not have a straightforward solution. Recent global events, including the Covid-19 pandemic, financial instabilities, conflicts, and natural disasters, have further exacerbated the devastating impact on humanity. These events have perpetuated and deepened structural inequalities and poverty, particularly in the Global South.
Ms. Sattar commended Eritrea’s efforts to prioritize people and sustainable prosperity in its development programs and policies. She recognized the country’s ongoing initiatives to provide equal access to socio-economic resources and opportunities, ensuring that all people can participate in the political, social, and cultural life of the nation.
However, she acknowledged that more needs to be done to address the challenges of eradicating poverty and strengthening the food system, climate resilience, clean water, and energy. The UNDP remains committed to supporting Eritrea in these endeavors.
Throughout the day, there was a display of agricultural products that showcased innovation in food preparation, value addition, nutrient enrichment, and packaging. The products were locally made, some of which were new to the market while others had value added to enhance their nutritional content. One of the products put on display was locally produced and packaged dates, which are expected to become more readily available in the market, indicating a positive trend in the local production and consumption of nutritious food.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions to maximizing productivity and demonstrating innovation in packaging, exemplary farmers were awarded certificates of appreciation. And farmers who demonstrated distinguished abilities in their agricultural practices and packaging were given monetary awards.
By promoting and rewarding innovation in agriculture and food production, the event aimed to stimulate further improvements in the local food industry. It provided a platform for farmers to showcase their achievements and share their experiences, fostering a tradition of sharing knowledge and on-going improvements in the sector.
The commemoration of World Food Day and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty in Embaderho served as a platform to raise awareness, and strengthen partnerships in the pursuit of sustainable development, food security, and poverty reduction. The event underscored the urgent need of collective action at global, regional, national, and local levels to address water scarcity, ensure access to nutritious food, and eradicate poverty, leaving no one behind.
For More News And Analysis About Eritrea Follow Africa-Press
